Journal
FOOD POLICY
Volume 29, Issue 1, Pages 15-44Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2004.01.002
Keywords
biotechnology; orphan crops; germplasm improvement; genomics; direct gene transfer; food security
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This article examines the opportunities for using several forms of modern biotechnology to improve orphan crops in developing countries. These crops, including tef, millets, cowpea, and indigenous vegetables, fruits, roots, and tubers, tend to be locally important, but receive little public or private investment. Recent advances in the fields of genetics and genomics provide a more unified understanding of the biology of plants. We summarize some important ways in which genetic technologies can be harnessed for orphan crops and provide examples of potential genetic and genomics research that is likely to benefit poor regions. Finally, we suggest policies that could help create incentives for application of advanced science to orphan crops. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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